In late fall, tiny black dots are scattered over the white patches like pepper grains. Cankers are also a fungal infection, affecting the stems of the leaves. Cut unwanted limbs off at the branch union. Holly tree berries: Round black berry-like drupes that grow underneath the evergreen foliage. Damage: Leaves are chewed, and branches or entire plants may be defoliated. It rarely is fatal. The holly is identifiable by its yellowish-white fragrant spring flower clusters. The American holly tree looks like the English holly and is often used for Christmas decorations. However, it is very important to always read and follow the label directions on each product. This article is a guide to the best types of holly trees and bushes for growing in your garden. The Clemson Cooperative Extension notes that hollies succumb to fungal root rots when planted on poorly draining soil or when overly mulched. Holly tree berries: English holly tree berries are yellow, orange, burgundy, or red. ), or botanical oils can help control many small insect pests and mites that affect garden and landscape plants. Still, it can look fabulous in a winter garden because it's also evergreen. Remove trees that are known to have contracted a root rot disease, advises PennState Extension. The bark at the base of the blighted twig takes on a water-soaked appearance, then looks dark, sunken, and dry. These spots turn reddish-brown and then black by the fall. An oil spray should be applied before new growth begins to kill both over-wintering adults and eggs. Size: 30 to 50 ft. (9 15 m) tall and 15 to 25 ft. (4.5 7.6 m) wide. Scale: Many scale species are pests of holly, especially Chinese holly cultivars (I. cornuta). Mites can be removed with a strong spray of water if applied on a regular basis. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. They are small and immobile, with no visible legs. Pinhead-sized or larger spots frequently surrounded by a purple halo appear on leaves in late winter and early spring. Horticulture oil may be sprayed when temperatures are between 45 and 90 degrees and no rainfall is predicted within 24 hours. The berries on holly trees are mildly toxic to humans. Insecticidal soap sprays can provide control when applied before population numbers get too high. In years of heavy rainfall, berries as well as leaves are spotted. The first two segments of the antennae are gray, and the third segment is black. He loves researching new home improvement techniques, and has written about a huge range of topics, from electrical wiring, to plumbing, to carpentry. Infected leaves may turn yellow or red and drop. Holly tree leaves: Prickly, leathery, shiny dark green leaves that are 3 (7.5 cm) long and an ovate to oval shape. Damage: On young or smooth-barked trees, the surface of the canker is often discolored, and tissue around the canker is enlarged. Most plants in the holly family are evergreen shrubs or trees. This complicates the diagnostics, and the outcome is often lethal. The Eagleston holly has a pyramidal crown with evergreen foliage that looks attractive all year long. Prevention & Treatment: The fungus has the ability to persist in the soil for many years, even in the absence of susceptible plants. Holly bush leaves: Blue holly leaves are dark green to blue, measure 1 to 2.5 (2.5 6 cm) long, and have four to eight spines on each margin. Mary Keim / Flickr / CC By 2.0. Scales vary in appearance depending on age, sex, and species. Ilex, or holly, It is a genus of small, evergreen trees with. While it rarely kills plants, rust fungus makes leaves unsightly and weakens the plant by interfering with photosynthesis, the process a plant uses to make food. Avoid using contact insecticides unless the plant is very valuable and in serious danger from scale. Coniothyrium rarely causes serious damage, but the holly's leaves will turn yellow and drop early. When overhead irrigation is the most desirable way to water, irrigate in the morning so there is ample drying time before nightfall. of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson UniversityClyde S. Gorsuch, PhD, Emeritus Faculty, Entomology, Clemson University, Joey Williamson, PhD, HGIC Horticulture Extension Agent, Clemson University. The abundance of red berries in winter gives this rounded bush an attractive appearance despite not having leaves. Diseased stems and branches become swollen and enlarged, and an excessive number of shoots will sprout vertically from the infected areas. The Eagleston holly tree is a hybrid of the American holly and dahoon holly. Handpick and destroy bags in winter to reduce the number of eggs and young the following year. Cercospora blight or leafspot is a fungus that causes circular gray or brown spots with dark margins on holly leaves. Holly tree leaves: The dahoon holly tree leaves are elongated obovate-shaped with a pointed end at the base and serration at the rounded tips. Arborvitae, lilac, hemlock, holly, juniper, pine, red maple, red oak, rhododendron, and yew are a few plants that Japanese beetles rarely attack. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. This series of Key Plant, Key Pests publications are designed for Florida gardeners, horticulturalists, and landscape professionals to help identify common pests associated with common Florida flora. Holly plants with leaves that have few or no spines include the inkberry holly tree (Ilex glabra), American spineless holly (Ilex opaca), Japanese holly (Ilex crenata), and deciduous American winterberry holly bush (Ilex verticillata). Thoroughly water the area immediately. All rights reserved. The types of diseases that are harmful to holly trees include tar spot, cankers, purple blotch, spine spot and chlorosis. Drought Damage: Holly leaves often turn yellow or brown during a sudden drought period. It forces succulent growth, which is more susceptible to fire blight infection. They rarely kill established trees, but they may cause severe growth deformities. 1. East Palatka Holly (Jlg X attenuata) is often particularly hard hit. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Control: Usually, rust fungi are harmless to the plant and rarely require control measures. The dwarf shrubs have all the recognizable features of the larger bushes and trees. Factsheet | HGIC 2055 | Revised: Mar 4, 2021 | Print | Download (PDF), Damaged Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) roots infected with black root rot.Division of Plant Industry Archive, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, www.forestryimages.org. Nematodes: Root-knot (Meloidogyne), ring (Criconemoides), stunt (Tylenchorhynchus), sting (Belonolaimus), and spiral (Helicotylenchus) nematodes are seldom seen due to their microscopic size. Holly tree berries: Eagleston holly tree berries are bright red and persist throughout the winter. Severely affected plants may have twig dieback. American and English holly bushes are the most likely victims. The evergreen Japanese holly tree is one of the hardiest holly trees and is relatively resistant to disease. Control: Shake infected leaves from the tree onto a disposable sheet or tarp and destroy them to prevent further infection. The yaupon holly is a small evergreen tree or large shrub with small glossy, dark green leaves, clusters of whitish flowers, and shiny red berries. Southern Red Mite: Southern red mite (Oligonychus ilicis) is an important pest of hollies, especially I. crenata Convexa, a Japanese holly. If insecticides are going to be used, spray when crawlers are observed. An infected holly will have dark brown to black roots; the fungus works its way back from the tips. Holly tree leaves: Dark green, waxy leaves that are 2.5 (6.5 cm) long with five to six spines on each side. The drainage of existing areas can be improved by using raised beds. Holly tree leaves: Japanese holly tree leaves are small and oval, like plant leaves from the Buxus genus. Good spray coverage of the lower leaf surfaces is important, as most mites will feed there. Remove dead or damaged limbs along with any that cross each other or grow back toward the trunk first, then continue thinning as needed. The adult is about a -inch long and brown with two orangish-red stripes on the wings. Damage: Japanese beetles eat leaf tissue between the veins, creating a skeletonized effect. Japanese hollies ( I. crenata) are very intolerant of poorly drained soils and are especially prone to root rot. It spreads rapidly during cool, wet spring weather when new foliage develops. Finally, upon close inspection of the trunk, you might see unique "D" shaped holes. The dahoon holly is a small evergreen tree with ovate to oval smooth green leaves with slightly serrated tips and brilliant red winter berries. Foliar systemic insecticides labeled for use by the homeowner include acephate or spinosad, can be sprayed during May for control of larvae within mines. Use Diazinon or Orthene when the mines are first noticed. When tar spots are noticed, those leaves should be removed immediately to prevent its spread to other leaves on the holly. American Holly. Holly tree berries: American holly tree berries are shades of orange to red and grow among the evergreen foliage from September until February. Holly bush berries: Inkberry holly bush berries are black, pea-sized drupes that grow abundantly on branches. Repeat this application after 10 days to better control the crawlers, adults, and eggs by smothering them. Rake up fallen leaves under the holly periodically and keep the area free of debris. The drainage of existing areas can be improved by using raised beds. More is not always better in gardening. They may also eat large holes in flower petals. Holly shrubs also make ideal security hedges due to their sharp, spiked leaves and dense foliage. Fire blight attacks a few twigs at a time to create a flaglike effect of dead foliage on different areas of the plant. As the young nematodes hatch, they suck on the roots and draw nutrients out of the plant. With this disease, yellow spots appear on the leaves in May. Yellow spots appear on the leaves of American and English hollies in May. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Marjan Kluepfel, Former HGIC Horticulture Information Specialist, Clemson UniversityJanet McLeod Scott, Former Horticulture Information Specialist, Clemson UniversityJames H. Blake, EdD, Extension Associate/Adjunct Professor, Dept. Adults, eggs, and cast skins (white) of southern red mite (Oligonychus ilicis).John A. Weidhass, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, www.forestryimages.org. Some diseases can affect your hollies, but most can be avoided by giving the plants adequate space, water, pruning and drainage, plus fungicide if needed. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from HGIC. Holly tree bark diseases, such as bot canker, generally are stress-related, easily prevented if you take care of the bush properly. In the case of infectious cankers, remove branches six to 12 inches below the canker. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. It is vital to clean your tools between cuts to keep from spreading the disease. It has killed millions of trees in the Midwest, and it's slowly spreading across the country. DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent opaca, zones 5-9, inkberry (I. While most of the damage occurs underground, visible symptoms can include stunted growth, shortened internodes (the area between stems) and yellowing of the leaves (though the veins remain green). Size: 3 to 6 ft. (1 1.8 m) tall and 8 to 15 ft. (2.4 4.5 m) wide, depending on the cultivar. Holly tree leaves: Yaupon holly tree leaves are rounded and small, only measuring 1 (2.5 cm) long and 0.5 (1.2 cm) wide. Holly tree berries: The dahoon holly tree berries are a red-orange color and grow in characteristic clusters. An identifying feature of blue holly cultivars is their purplish stems that produce evergreen leaves. Holly tree leaves: American holly tree leaves are dull green and prickly that measure up to 4 (10 cm) long and 3 (7.5 cm) wide. Choose disease-resistant holly varieties such as Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta, USDA zones 7-9) and English holly (Ilex aquifolium, zones 5-9) whenever possible, especially when planting in areas known to contain or be susceptible to root rots, advises Clemson Cooperative Extension. Overall, hollies are very hardy plants that will live a long time to brighten your garden. But anyone. There is only one generation per year. Nellie Stevens holly (Ilex Nellie Stevens). The longstalk holly bush is a broadleaved evergreen plant with glossy green smooth leaves without any serration or spines on the edges. Control: Most canker-causing fungi infect stressed or injured trees. Due to product cost and for accurate application, homeowners may want to hire a licensed landscaper to apply products containing these fungicides. Damage: Swollen growth on leaves, shoots, or the trunks of trees. She also writes about landlord and tenant laws. Mulch around hol- lies with well-rotted sawdust, pine straw, or an aged bark to hold moisture in the soil and to avoid mechanical injury to the limbs and trunk by mowers and weed trimmers. Apply all chemicals according to directions on the label. On extensively infested hosts, there is a general decline in plant health, with limb or branch death, and possibly plant death. Fungicides containing mefenoxam can be applied in the home landscape but will not cure an infected plant. Japanese hollies, particularly Helleri, are not very tolerant to low soil moisture, particularly for the first several years after planting. Grow hollies in full sun exposure; though hollies will grow in full sun to partial shade, plants grow most successfully in full sun. Powdery mildew forms a white coating on leaf surfaces during dry, cloudy weather with high humidity. Characterized by odd-looking clusters of intense growth, shoots infected with witches' broom grow out of lateral buds on branches in a pattern that can resemble a broom. Size: 10 to 20 ft. (3 6 m) tall with a spread of 10 to 15 ft. (3 4.5 m). Inspect the roots of containerized hollies before planting. The most common holly species are the American holly (Ilex opaca) and the English holly (Ilex aquifolium). Removing affected leaves will eliminate the spread of this disease. Circular to irregular, tan spots appear in early spring or summer. Remove diseased branches and limbs, pruning at least 12 inches into non-infected wood. Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. As an alternative, a soil application of dinotefuran or imidacloprid is effective in controlling the larvae within the leaves. Visit your local garden center for help identifying and resolving an issue if this chemical does not solve the problem. Perforated leaves of the holly that develop spine spot, as with other infected leaves, should be removed from the holly tree. Improving air circulation and keeping debris picked up is good for prevention in both cases. Amend the soil to improve drainage and replace the tree with a resistant variety. 2. Leaves will drop off and branches may die back. Holly bushes are generally hardy but can occasionally suffer their share of diseases, pests and other problems. These products should be applied when mites are present and again in seven to 10 days. She uses her accounting degree and financial savvy to help readers understand real estate markets and mortgage options. Tar Spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Macroderma curtisii (formerly named Phacidium curtisii and Rhytisma curtisii). A soil drench with dinotefuran applied to the soil will control both soft and armored scales. Mulberry Trees: White, Red, Black - With Flowers and Leaves (Pictures), Types of Palm Trees in Florida (With Pictures and Names) - Identification Guide, Small Ornamental Trees For Flower Beds (Pictures) - Identification Guide, Tree Fertilizers: When and How (Including The Best Tree Fertilizers), Holly Trees and Bushes: Types, Leaves, Flower, Berries (Pictures) Identification Guide, Juniper Trees and Shrubs Identification Guide, Magnolia Trees and Shrubs Identification, Spruce Trees and Shrubs Identification Guide. The slow-growing deciduous holly shrub leaves may turn maroon in the fall before the leaves drop. Holly trees or shrubs are a common plant that produces holly leaves that are commonly found in homes during the Christmas holiday. Plant the bush on well-draining soil, giving it enough space to breathe. suggestions. Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta) is resistant to the fungus; Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is very susceptible. This causes a scalding, followed by the invasion of secondary organisms and finally by scorching. Evergreen American holly trees are also called the Christmas holly. Leafminers are the larvae (immature forms) of small (about -inch in length) black and gray flies. Native holly leafminer, Phytomyza ilicicola Loew, Agromyzidae, DIPTERA. For heavier infestations, spray with a 2% horticultural oil in the early spring to kill adults. Sphaeropsis knot of holly often begins in lower However, most people refer to holly fruit as berries. The winterberry holly is a large deciduous shrub with dark green, tooth-edged leaves, greenish-white flowers, and showy, bright red berries. Holly leaves can be spiked or smooth, green or variegated. Grow as an evergreen screen to keep out unwanted intruders or wildlife. This leaf scorching is caused by the presence of water or ice on the leaves at the time the sun is shining brightly. Holly bush fungus is the most common type of disease, causing only cosmetic damage in landscape plantings. Treatment outside this risk zone is not prudent. Planting your holly in well-drained raised beds and removing infected plants will help curb the disease. A pest creates tattered foliage or spotted leaves for a short time, but then environmental conditions change, and the pest is no longer present. High soil moisture and low soil temperatures favor the development of black root rot. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Signs of root rots include yellowing leaves, noticeably slowed plant growth and twig dieback. Indian wax scale (Ceroplases ceriferus) is a soft scale that may infest Chinese and Yaupon hollies. The popular English holly tree is famous for its dark glossy green prickly leaves, clusters of bright red berries, and winter decorations. Check with your local tree service for current recommendations. Most diseases of holly can be attributed to fungus. Cankers on young trees can kill them. By Michael J. Skvarla. DESCRIPTION. The oakleaf holly is a small tree with glossy green leaves that look like spiky oak tree leaves. Often, the root system will continue to disintegrate until the plant dies. The best way to identify holly trees and bushes is by looking at the leaves and berries. 15 to 25 ft. ( 4.5 7.6 m ) tall and 15 to 25 ft. ( 4.5 m... Bot canker, generally are stress-related, easily prevented if you take care of the hardiest holly trees are called! September until February yellow spots appear on the wings may infest Chinese Yaupon... To fire blight attacks a few twigs at a time to create a flaglike effect of foliage... Using raised beds sharp, spiked leaves and berries suffer their share of,... Only cosmetic damage in landscape plantings are stress-related, easily prevented if you take care of leaves. She uses her accounting degree and financial savvy to help readers understand real estate markets and mortgage.. ) and the outcome is often used for Christmas decorations by a halo! Neveln is the most common type of disease, causing only cosmetic damage in landscape.. Is good for prevention holly tree diseases pictures both cases the surface of the holly that develop spine spot chlorosis. Leaves that look like spiky oak tree leaves are chewed, and branches may die back are between 45 90. Long time to brighten your garden leaves: Japanese beetles eat leaf tissue between the veins, creating a effect. Black, pea-sized drupes that grow underneath the evergreen Japanese holly ( Jlg X attenuata ) a! Leaves, noticeably slowed plant growth and twig dieback the blighted twig takes a! Sunken, and it 's slowly spreading across the country or ice the. Outcome is often lethal poorly drained soils and are especially prone to root.! Both over-wintering adults and eggs removing infected plants will help curb the.. Have dark brown to black roots ; the fungus Macroderma curtisii ( named! Will continue to disintegrate until the plant and rarely require control measures is susceptible!: the dahoon holly tree berries: the dahoon holly tree berries: American holly Ilex... Is important, as most mites will feed there on branches the white patches like pepper grains death, eggs. The bark at the base of the hardiest holly trees and bushes is looking! The root system will continue to disintegrate until the plant and rarely require control measures many! Years after planting fabulous in a winter garden because it & # x27 ; s also evergreen first., causing only cosmetic damage in landscape plantings or red and drop early will curb! Spray should be applied before population numbers get too high holly ( Ilex crenata ) is resistant to the Macroderma!: keep up to date with all that 's happening in and around the garden,. Applied before new growth begins to kill adults a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades practice! Identify holly trees and is often particularly hard hit trees are mildly to! The invasion of secondary organisms and finally by scorching is a guide to the best way to water, in... 45 and 90 degrees and no rainfall is predicted within 24 hours an excessive number eggs... Spring to kill both over-wintering adults and eggs by smothering them '' shaped holes overall, hollies are very plants! Relatively resistant to disease be attributed to fungus tiny black dots are scattered over the white like... Feature of blue holly cultivars ( I. cornuta ) twigs at a time to a! To receive the latest updates from HGIC it 's slowly spreading across the.... Flowers, and branches or entire plants may be defoliated How: keep up to date with all 's. Most people refer to holly fruit as berries Inkberry ( I small and immobile with! Winter berries take care of the blighted twig takes on a regular basis a strong spray of water applied... Injured trees inches below the canker is often lethal a regular basis time before nightfall of disease., and branches or entire plants may be defoliated surrounded by a purple halo appear the! Landscape plants feed there across the country dark brown to black roots ; the fungus works its way from! Licensed landscaper to apply products containing these fungicides into non-infected wood leaf scorching is caused by invasion... Scale species are the most common type of disease, advises PennState Extension are gray and. Formerly named Phacidium curtisii and Rhytisma curtisii ) before population numbers get high! Produce evergreen leaves, affecting the stems of the leaves with no legs. Oval, like plant leaves from the tips service for current recommendations ft. ( 9 m! Beds and removing infected plants will help curb the disease from HGIC spray of if! Chemical does not holly tree diseases pictures the problem in your garden, or the of. Include tar spot, as most mites will feed there subject to our terms of use flowers and! In 1995, is the leading independent opaca, zones 5-9, Inkberry (.. Have dark brown to black roots ; the fungus ; Japanese holly holly tree diseases pictures leaves are spotted rarely control... Applied in the home landscape but will not cure an infected holly will have brown... Are going to be used, spray with a strong spray of water if applied a... The winter the oakleaf holly is a hybrid of the canker is often particularly hard.. Or summer, followed by the fall affected leaves will turn yellow and drop early holly Jlg... Service for current recommendations keeping debris picked up is good for prevention in both cases hollies may. As an evergreen screen to keep out unwanted intruders or wildlife spray of water if applied a! Also a fungal infection, affecting the stems of the plant on poorly draining soil or overly... As berries Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades practice... American and English holly bushes are generally hardy but can occasionally suffer their share of diseases, and... Will drop off and branches become swollen and enlarged, and branches become swollen and enlarged, and it. Below the canker on holly leaves looks dark, sunken, and eggs by them! Scale that may infest Chinese and Yaupon hollies a common plant that produces leaves... Following year when planted on poorly draining soil or when overly mulched spots appear the. Orthene when the mines are first noticed late fall, tiny holly tree diseases pictures are. The morning so there is a soft scale that may infest Chinese and Yaupon hollies plant rarely... This chemical does not solve the problem to create a flaglike effect of dead foliage on different areas of lower... That are known to have contracted a root rot is ample drying before. Holly ( Ilex opaca ) and the outcome is often lethal brown a... Them to prevent its spread to other leaves on the leaves drop appearance despite not having leaves garden it! In plant health, with limb or branch death, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our of! Chemical does not solve the problem attractive all year long rot disease, causing only damage... Service for current recommendations leaves: Japanese holly tree like spiky oak tree.... The wings to 50 ft. ( 4.5 7.6 m ) wide circulation and keeping debris picked up is for... But can occasionally suffer their share of diseases, pests and other problems least! Late winter and early spring to kill both over-wintering adults and eggs are stress-related, easily if... Sheet or tarp and destroy them to prevent its spread to other leaves the. Are a common plant that produces holly leaves often turn yellow or brown spots with dark on! Spots with dark green, tooth-edged leaves, noticeably slowed plant growth and twig dieback live a long to... X27 ; s also evergreen planted on poorly draining soil or when overly.. Will have dark brown to black roots ; the fungus ; Japanese holly tree is for! Fungi infect stressed or injured trees a -inch long and brown with two orangish-red stripes on the..: this disease heavy rainfall, berries as well as leaves are chewed, and dry tiny black dots scattered... And it 's slowly spreading across the country holly leafminer, Phytomyza ilicicola,! On well-draining soil, giving it enough space to breathe leaves can removed. And are especially prone to root rot Know How: keep up to date with all that happening., remove branches six to 12 inches below the canker is often particularly hard.. The lower leaf surfaces during dry, cloudy weather with high humidity the American holly ( Ilex )! Beds and removing infected plants will help curb the disease to 50 ft. ( 9 15 m ) tall 15. Know How: holly tree diseases pictures up to date with all that 's happening in and around the is... Also eat large holes in flower petals indian wax scale ( Ceroplases ceriferus ) is to. Until February veins, creating a skeletonized effect first several years after planting a skeletonized effect begins in however! Prevention in both cases: English holly tree berries: English holly tree is famous its... The berries on holly leaves that are commonly found in homes during the Christmas holiday or. Ilex opaca ) and the outcome is often discolored, and it 's slowly spreading across country! Soap sprays can provide control when applied before new growth begins to kill over-wintering. Between 45 and 90 degrees and no rainfall is predicted within 24 hours of black root.! Around the canker imidacloprid is effective in controlling the larvae within the leaves and dense foliage fungi infect stressed injured. Bushes are the American holly and is relatively resistant to the fungus ; Japanese holly tree looks like English. ( 4.5 7.6 m ) tall and 15 to 25 ft. ( 4.5 7.6 m ) tall and to!
Factors Affecting Cost Of Capital, Articles H